Thanks for visiting Lincoln Buff 2, where I share my passion for the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Whether you're just beginning to explore Lincoln's life or are a Lincoln buff, too, join me in learning more about our sixteenth president. Check out my bicentennial year posts, where some of the information is timeless. I'm also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lincolnbuff2, with more posts, not all Lincoln-related. Welcome! Ann Tracy Mueller

Young Lincoln

See this exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library

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I believe there are key lessons we can all learn from Abraham Lincoln. I'd love to share them with your organization.

First, head to the Land of Lincoln in October for a national conference about Lincoln’s role in American higher education.

Here’s what the bicentennial folks have to say:

“Prominent government officials, land-grant college presidents, and respected academics and experts on higher education will come together to discuss ‘Lincoln and the Morrill Act: The Unfinished Work of Public Universities’ on Oct. 23-24 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“This conference will explore the historical significance of the Morrill Act, and how it is applicable to current issues of higher education. Conference speakers will include Jim Leach, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Martha Kanter, U.S. Undersecretary of Education, and Peter McPherson, President of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, among many others. Speakers will discuss the important role land-grant colleges can play in developing the work force of the future and create life-long learners in a global society.

“Through moderated panels and interactive discussions, conference goers will delve into the past and future of higher education, as they never have before.

Later in the month, you’ll want to head to Newark, New Jersey for the Lincoln presentation by photographer Deborah Willis. And, in November, that same community will present a town hall panel discussion on race, ethnicity and freedom.

The bicentennial folks say:

“On Oct. 28, respected photographer Deborah Willis will unveil and discuss her new work entitled “Lincoln as Monument, Lincoln as Icon.” Held at the Essex County Historic Courthouse, this event will explore the various depictions of Abraham Lincoln in art and photography. Using examples ranging from the 1870s to the present, Willis will lead the audience in a discussion of this iconic American figure, and how changing artistic depictions of him have impacted public perception.

“In addition to the presentation and discussion, attendees have the unique opportunity to take docent-led tours through the Historic Courthouse, and even take a photo with the Borglum statue of Abraham Lincoln prior to the presentation.

“Deborah Willis’ show is also a wonderful opportunity for attendees and community members to familiarize themselves with Lincoln and his legacy prior to our town hall discussion on Nov.12 at the Newark Museum. A panel of esteemed speakers, including Pedro A. Noguera, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education, Jeff Johnson, award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator, and James O. Horton, Historian Emeritus at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, will lead a stimulating discussion on the topic of “The Humane City: Race, Ethnicity and Freedom in Urban America.”

“Panelists will discuss issues surrounding our urban communities today, and how we can collectively utilize the resources available in those communities to work towards a more successful future. This event seeks to critically examine the current situation in urban America when viewed through the lens of differences in race and ethnicity, while bringing together a group of scholars who are willing to give their recommendations for how communities in urban America can best achieve their collective potential.

“Both events are free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Please visit http://lincolnliveson.com/ for more information or to RSVP.

Social media buffs – follow Lincoln at 200You can also connect with the bicentennial commission and join the discussion through: